The UK’s government minister for telecoms has called for an end to unnecessary telegraph poles by UK operators this week.
Sir Chris Bryant has called on the telecoms industry to share existing infrastructure when installing broadband cables as their default approach.
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In an open letter addressed to operators, he asked for underground installation where new infrastructure is needed to increase efficiency as the rollout of faster broadband takes place across the country.
The minister’s appeal comes as residents have become increasingly frustrated with telegraph infrastructure being built in their communities, often hailing it as an ‘eyesore’.
Some towns such as Bournville in Birmingham have considered legal action against telecoms companies, claiming new poles had been ruining the area’s charm.
Bryant also asked for revisions to the Code of Practice for deploying telegraph poles writing “We must look to address the concerns that people across this country have expressed and recognise that unnecessary pole deployment is immensely frustrating for them.”
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By GlobalDataThe Code of Practice currently sets out that, where new poles are installed, the operator should notify the local authority and place a site notice to indicate to nearby residents the intention to install a pole, and the proposed location.
Representatives from the broadband industry including Openreach, Virgin Media O2 and smaller providers will come together for a roundtable event in September.
The government also announced last week that £170m of UK funding would be made available to address the digital divide in Wales and provide faster broadband, and Minister Bryant has said this week that he will not shy away from changing the law, should companies fail to listen to communities.
The minister emphasised the importance of rapidly expanding broadband access across the country without the need for additional poles or disruptive ground digging.
Telecoms Minister, Chris Bryant, said: “We can bring the advantages of high-speed internet to all corners of the nation more rapidly and responsibly, while minimising disruptive ground digging and ending the installation of unnecessary telegraph poles – ensuring communities’ concerns are not overlooked.”
